After Apple, Google has taken down an ICE tracking app
What's the story
Just a day after Apple removed ICEBlock from its iOS App Store, Google has taken a similar step by pulling Red Dot from the Play Store. Both apps were designed to report sightings of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Google's decision aligns with its policy against apps that pose a high risk of abuse, following Apple's removal of ICEBlock.
App functionalities
Apps let users report sightings of ICE agents
Both ICEBlock and Red Dot let users anonymously report sightings of ICE agents and view alerts in their vicinity. Critics have argued that such apps could put law enforcement officers at risk. Despite the controversy, Google said it didn't receive any communication from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on this matter.
Policy enforcement
Google removed similar apps for violations
In light of a recent violent incident at an ICE facility, Google has removed apps that share the location of vulnerable groups. The company said it enforces its moderation policies across all apps that allow user-generated content. "ICEBlock was never available on Google Play, but we removed similar apps for violations of our policies," a Google representative told 404 Media.
Government influence
Apple's removal of ICEBlock sparks debate
Apple's decision to remove ICEBlock and similar apps from its App Store has sparked a debate over technology, government oversight, and civil liberties. The app was used by many people to anonymously report and view the locations of nearby ICE agents within a 8km radius. The move comes after pressure from the Donald Trump administration, which reportedly threatened legal action against the app's creators.